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Medically Reviewed

Opioid Detox

- 10 sections

Medically Verified: February 13, 2024

Medical Reviewer:

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the United States. Unfortunately, when someone is addicted to opioids they are at an increased risk of experiencing an overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that opioids were responsible for 80,411 overdoses in 2021.

When you suffer from opioid addiction, professional treatment is your best option. The first step in recovering from an opioid use disorder is detox. Opioid detox centers will offer medications and 24/7 support to help you overcome withdrawal.

While opioid withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, symptoms like dehydration can become fatal. As a result, medical detox is a vital step in recovery. You should never attempt to overcome opioid withdrawal on your own.

Charlotte Detox Center offers evidence-based treatment options for opioid detox. Attending our North Carolina detox program reduces the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. We also offer individual therapy and support groups to keep you feeling motivated in recovery.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system. Doctors prescribe them to treat moderate to severe pain. While opioids are effective in treating pain, many people abuse them.

Examples of prescription opioids include:

  • Oxycontin
  • Vicodin
  • Morphine
  • Methadone
  • Fentanyl

While there are many types of prescription opioids, there are illegal opioids as well. Heroin is created illegally and derives from the poppy plant.  NIDA reports that about 1.1 million people abused heroin in 2021.

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol leads to withdrawal symptoms. When you are addicted to opioids, you should expect to experience withdrawal once you stop taking the substance. Most people say that opioid withdrawal feels like the severe flu.

The symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Teary eyes and runny nose
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Insomnia
  • Increased sweating
  • Excessive yawning
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Dilated pupils
  • Goosebumps and shivering
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

Treatment centers like Charlotte Detox Center may prescribe medications to limit your symptoms. As a result, opioid withdrawal will not become severe and you can focus on your recovery. Substance use disorders can be difficult to overcome, but professional addiction treatment makes it easier.

Why is Detox Necessary for Opioid Addiction?

Even though opioid withdrawal can feel like the flu, it can become dangerous. If you attempt to quit cold turkey, you might experience severe symptoms of dehydration. Without medical treatment, your dehydration could become life-threatening.

According to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), “Persistent vomiting and diarrhea may result, if untreated, in dehydration, hypernatraemia (elevated blood sodium level) and resultant heart failure.”

By attending a medical detox center, you ensure that your symptoms will be managed effectively. For example, if you experience vomiting and diarrhea, you will receive IV fluids. This prevents dehydration from becoming severe, ensuring you remain healthy.

How Does Opioid Detox in North Carolina Work?

The first step in substance abuse treatment is medical detox. These treatment programs offer 24/7 medical monitoring and medications to limit withdrawal symptoms. During opioid detox, medical staff will treat you for alcohol and drug withdrawal and monitor your progress closely.

Opioid detox in North Carolina involves the following services:

Assessment

When you arrive at a medical detox facility you will undergo a thorough assessment. The medical staff will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of opioid abuse.

Nurses will be able to create an individualized treatment plan based on your information. This will include things like how long you need detox, what medications to use, and more.

Health Monitoring

Nurses and doctors will monitor your health consistently. They will check your vital signs to ensure you are stable. This involves monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature.

Throughout your stay in detox, nurses will check your health status. Because of this, if any issues arise, they will be managed promptly.

Medication Management

Opioid detox centers use FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. These medications target opioid receptors in your brain. As a result, your body thinks it is getting the substance it craves.

Examples of medications used to treat opioid withdrawal include:

Lucemyra works differently than other opioid detox medications. It is a non-opioid alternative, which means it cannot be abused. If your doctor is concerned about using an opioid to treat your withdrawal symptoms, they might use Lucemyra.

Mental Health Services

Withdrawal can be extremely mentally taxing. For example, common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety and insomnia. Additionally, many people with addiction have co-occurring mental health conditions.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million adults have a dual diagnosis.

During detox, you will have access to one-on-one therapy and group counseling. Evidence-based therapies are used to ensure you receive the care you need. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used.

Treatment Planning

Once your withdrawal symptoms have subsided, you will begin treatment planning. Medical staff will work with you to determine what type of treatment will work best for you. Typically, people transition into inpatient rehab after medical detox.

Your treatment plan might include a combination of inpatient and outpatient opioid addiction treatment. Additionally, sober living homes can be a great help during the transitional phase between inpatient rehab and independent living.

Get Connected to Top-Rated Opioid Detox in North Carolina

Opioid addiction can be difficult to overcome. Opioid detox centers in North Carolina offer medications to treat withdrawal symptoms. At Charlotte Detox Center, we go a step further by offering clinically proven mental health support.

Charlotte Detox Center bridges the gap between the luxury and comfort of your home with the safety and medical supervision of a hospital. Our exclusive, private facility in Charlotte, North Carolina is an ideal place to begin your journey of recovery. Our highly trained medical and clinical staff can manage your physical symptoms and discomfort while providing you with encouragement and emotional support.

Contact us today to learn more about our opioid detox center.

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